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Lincoln National Forest restrictions lowered

Recent rain showers prompted action

By Dianne Stallings

dstallings@ruidosonews.com @RuidosoNews on Twitter

Posted:
07/10/2013 05:37:53 PM MDT

Recent rain showers in southern New Mexico though spotty, produced enough moisture to reduce the risk associated with fire danger and prompted officials with the Lincoln National Forest to drop fire restrictions back to the Stage 1, effective at 8 a.m. Friday.

"Overall, the precipitation and higher humidity has had a direct effect on the fire danger rating, which had been between 'Very High' to 'Extreme,'" officials stated in a news release issued Wednesday. "The current rating is described as 'High.' In response to current conditions, the (LNF) will be scaling the fire restrictions back."

Stage 1 restrictions specify that:

* Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal grill, coal, wood or stove is prohibited except in Forest Service designated recreation sites and campgrounds where grills and fire rings are provided.

* Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material is prohibited.

* Possessing, discharging or using any type of firework or pyrotechnic device is prohibited.

Campgrounds where grills and fire rings are provided on the Smokey Bear Ranger District include Oak Grove, Three Rivers, Sam Tobias Memorial Group Site in Cedar Creek, Cedar Creek Picnic Area and Skyline.

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A violation of the regulations is considered a Class B misdemeanor and could result in a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.

Exemptions to the regulations include persons with a permit that authorizes actions specifically prohibited by the stage order; any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty; and residence owners and lessees of land and holders of Forest Service special use authorizations within the restricted area, provided fires are within a permanent structure.